Category Archives: Heated Clothing

How to Extend the Life of Lithium Batteries

lithium batteryJust like most of today’s portable electronic products, such as laptops, tablets, MP3 players, and cell phones, the heated apparel available from CozyWinters is now powered by Lithium-ion (Li-ion) batteries. That’s because Li-ion batteries are smaller, more efficient, and provide better overall performance than their Nickel-cadmium (NiCad) predecessors.

But all batteries, even those using Li-ion chemistry, have a finite lifespan and must eventually be replaced. While the actual replacement rate is impossible to predict since it depends on such variables as usage, storage conditions, and discharge cycles, there are a number of specific steps you can take to extend the life of your Lithium-ion power cells:

  • Fully charge a new Li-ion battery before using it for the first time
  • Do not make a habit of running Li-ion batteries below a 20% charge
  • Aim to go through at least one complete discharge cycle — charging the battery to 100% and then letting it drain to zero — for every 30 partial discharge cycles (or approximately once a month)
  • Prior to putting a Lithium-ion-powered device into long-term storage, charge the battery to 40%
  • Store Li-ion batteries in a cool, dry place that is impervious to extreme temperatures
  • Never store a fully-charged Li-ion battery for a lengthy period
  • Be sure to turn on and run Li-ion batteries at least once every few months to prevent capacity loss

In addition, using high-quality Lithium-ion power cells like the ones available in our WarmGear Battery Heated Clothing will yield a longer lifespan than cheaper, low-quality batteries. And when you couple the Lithium-ion power cells with WarmGear Global Charging Technology, you’ll be able to enjoy fully-charged Lithium-ion batteries no matter where in the world your outdoor adventures take you.

Remember, nothing will make your Li-ion batteries last forever. But following these tips and using WarmGear Lithium-ion power cells from CozyWinters will help extend the longevity of your batteries so you can get the most out of your heated apparel and home electronics.

Sochi Winter Games at a Glance

sochiHere at CozyWinters, we love any and all things winter — including the Olympics! So as you can imagine, we’re particularly excited about the upcoming Sochi Games and are counting down the days until we can cheer on our favorite American athletes as they represent our country in international competition.

Of course with any spectacle as big as the Olympics, it’s easy to become overwhelmed by all the information surrounding the event. That’s why we’ve spent some time sifting through the minutiae to pick out the more important details and organize them in this handy at-a-glance guide for you:

 

Dates: February 7 (Opening Ceremony) to February 23, 2014 (Closing Ceremony)

Host city: Sochi, Russia, with additional events taking place in Krasnaya Polyana

Estimated cost to host city: More than $50 billion

Official motto: “Hot. Cool. Yours.”

Official mascots: The Polar Bear, the Hare, and the Leopard

Time difference: 8 hours ahead of Eastern Standard Time in the U.S.

Number of participating nations: 88

Number of participating athletes: More than 5,500

Number of sports: 15 (Figure Skating, Speed Skating, Short Track Speed Skating, Ice Hockey, Luge, Skeleton, Bobsled, Curling, Freestyle Skiing, Alpine Skiing, Snowboarding, Cross-Country Skiing, Ski Jumping, Nordic Combined, and Biathlon)

Number of Events: 98

Number of American athletes, coaches, and staff expected to attend: 375

Broadcast coverage: NBC and NBCOlympics.com

These fast facts should give you a basic feel for what to expect from the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games. Now all that’s left to do is fix a big bowl of popcorn, grab your comfy heated electric throw, settle into your favorite chair, and root for the red, white, and blue!

Packing for Your Snowy Adventure

blog packingIf you followed our advice from last week’s post about how to choose a great ski resort, then hopefully you have your next holiday all booked up by now and can turn your attention to other details — such as what to pack for your trip.

Packing appropriate, essential, and useful gear while leaving the unnecessary stuff at home can make the difference between an enjoyable time on the mountain and a miserable one. While the precise contents of your luggage will ultimately be determined by a number of factors, including the length of your trip and your experience level, here’s a brief checklist of what to pack for your snowy adventure.

For the main slopes at a full-service resort:

  • Ski/snowboard boots, skis/snowboard, ski poles, and protective helmet (if not renting equipment)
  • Several layers of warm clothing, including a moisture-wicking base layer
  • Water resistant outerwear, including a windproof jacket and snow pants
  • Battery heated gloves
  • Tinted goggles or sunglasses
  • Lip balm and  sunscreen
  • Portable boot dryer
  • Neck wallet for carrying cash, ID, insurance card, and room key
  • Prescription medications
  • Extra pair of glasses or contact lenses

For off-the-beaten-track adventures:

If you plan to head further afield with a smaller group, we also recommend carrying the following in a backpack:

  • Portable shovel
  • Avalanche beacon and probe
  • Two-way radio
  • Fully-charged cell phone
  • Basic first aid kit
  • Flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries
  • Map of the area
  • Compass
  • Multitool or Swiss Army knife
  • Energy bars or trail mix
  • Water
  • Safety rope and harness
  • Carabiner
  • Waterproof matches

Remember, these lists are just general guidelines and not meant to be comprehensive. When packing for your own snowy adventure, you can (and should) add or subtract items based on the particulars of your trip. The bottom line is to be prepared for the elements and some potential emergencies so you can have fun!

Traveling for the holidays? Be sure to stay warm!

cold travelHoliday travel is a hassle even under the best circumstances. There’s bound to be heavy traffic wherever you go, and the strain of spending several hours in a cramped car with bickering children is enough to overwhelm the patience of a saint. Now imagine if you had to be cold and uncomfortable on top of everything else!

While we can’t clear the highways or make your kids get along, we can help you do something about the cold. Check out these convenient and portable heated travel products from CozyWinters.com before you hit the road for the holidays:

  • 12-Volt Heated Car Seat Pad: At a very compact 16″ x 16″, this plug-in car seat pad is a versatile source of instant warmth. It can act as a heated seat cover, a miniature lap warmer, or a makeshift foot warmer for targeted warmth where you need it most.
  • 12-Volt Heated Travel Throw: For all-over comfort in your car, boat, or RV, nothing beats this heated travel throw. It’s made of incredibly soft, machine washable fleece and comes with an extra-long cord (to reach the backseat), as well as a convenient carry case. This blanket is big enough for two people, but we won’t blame you if you don’t want to share!
  • Deluxe Heated Seat Cover: Bid farewell to frigid car seats by installing one of our universal fit deluxe heated seat covers in your vehicle. Made of high-tech heating fabric, these seat covers generate far-infrared heat without cumbersome wires or bulky heating elements. The warming action begins in just seconds to provide instant heat even on the coldest days.
  • 12-Volt Heated Pet Bed: You wouldn’t dream of leaving Fido or Fluffy at home, so our 12V heated pet bed is another must-have. With an 8′ cord and removable/washable faux lambskin cover, this product redefines comfortable car travel for dogs and cats.

Whether you plan on shredding some serious powder over the holidays or are just going to grandma’s house for a visit, our heated apparel and accessories will help you stay warm no matter how low the temperatures fall. See CozyWinters.com for more information on our entire product line.

Great Holiday Gift Ideas

dec blog 1December is here and the holidays are creeping ever closer. Try as you might, you can’t put off gift shopping forever, so it’s time to tackle that task head on. But since we know how difficult it can be to come up with great holiday gift ideas for everyone on your list, we’ve gone ahead and done the work for you. Here are our top staff picks for 2013:

  • Battery-heated gloves: Thin and lightweight, these gloves feature an easy-to-read LED controller, three heat settings to regulate temperature, and reflective elements for safety. They’re also windproof and waterproof, making them an excellent gift choice for anyone that enjoys outdoor sports such as golf, hiking, biking, and more.
  • Heated chair cover: This machine-washable heated chair cover will be appreciated by any budget-minded person on your holiday list. Its four heat settings and ability to distribute warmth evenly allow users to turn down the thermostat and enjoy lower energy bills without sacrificing comfort. (Oversized to fit most armchairs and recliners.)
  • Micro-Fleece Electric Blanket:  Available in 6 gorgeous colors, this low-voltage micro-fleece electric blanket is the world’s safest. Unlike other heated blankets, it operates on nonhazardous DC low voltage and releases no electromagnetic radiation. This blanket also offers a preheat setting and automatic shutoff after 10 hours for extra safety.
  • Fleece Electric Throw: Who says heated blankets are only for the bedroom? This fleece electric throw comes with many of the same great features as the blanket, but is portable enough to allow for snuggling on the couch, in your favorite armchair, or anywhere in the house.
  • Cozy Winters Gift Certificate: Not quite sure which fantastic item to get from our website? Just buy a CozyWinters.com gift certificate (available in amounts from $25 to $500) and let the recipient choose his or her own heated clothing, blankets, pet beds, or accessories from the site.

 

How to Care For and Store Battery Heated Clothing

Battery Heated Jacket Staying warm during your favorite outdoor winter activities has never been easier thanks to battery heated clothing. With just the touch of a button, your heated vest, gloves, boots, or jacket can provide extra warmth and comfort to combat the blustery winds, low temperatures, and other extreme elements that threaten to ruin your fun.

But unlike standard apparel, battery heated clothing requires special care and attention to ensure proper operation. Here are some pointers about how to care for and store your heated garments:

  • Remove batteries before washing
  • Follow the instructions on the care label attached to the garment. Some pieces are meant to be machine washed, while others must be hand-washed only.
  • Do not wash with bleach
  • Do not wring out your garments, as doing so could damage the heating elements
  • Do not dry clean
  • Store your heated motorcycle gear and other battery heated clothing in a clean, dry environment
  • Storage containers should be kept away from direct sunlight and other sources of extreme heat
  • Batteries MUST be recharged to at least 60% once every three months to remain in working order

Bear in mind that different manufacturers may have different washing and storage protocols for their garments, so the above tips are simply intended to be general guidelines rather than specific instructions.

Learning how to care for and store your battery heated motorcycle gear, outdoor apparel, hand warmers, and boots will allow you to enjoy these products season after season. Visit CozyWinters.com for more information about battery heated clothing or to browse our entire collection of heated outdoor gear.